ASU coach Brian Jenkins says the Hornets won't be affected by a quicker turnaround than normal. They played on Sunday and have their home opener Saturday.
Stacy Long

1. Short turnaround: The Hornets, after playing Sunday night and getting home at almost 3 a.m. Monday, have a short turnaround for Saturday’s home game with Alcorn State. Their reaction: So what? “It doesn’t matter,” coach Brian Jenkins said. “It doesn’t matter at all.” ASU had its usual Monday off day and practiced Tuesday, without problem, the Hornets said. “It’s not really hard,” receiver Joshua Davis said. “We just have to focus and pay attention to detail, and we’ll be all right.”

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Alabama State coach Brian Jenkins says Alcorn State, which faces the Hornets on Saturday at ASU Stadium, is a quality foe.
Stacy Long

2. SWAC favorite: Alcorn State is the defending Southwestern Athletic Conference champion and was the preseason favorite to win the SWAC’s Eastern Division. Alabama State hosts Western Division favorite Grambling next week. “I see a good football team,” Jenkins said. “They’re not defending SWAC champs for nothing. Jay has done a good job. … We have to make sure we’re on our ‘A’ game and we have complete focus and detail.”

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ASU coach Brian Jenkins says he expects quarterback Daniel Duhart to be ready to play Saturday vs. Alcorn State. Duhart left last weekend's loss at Tennessee State with an injury and was on crutches afterward.
Stacy Long

3. Duhart’s status: Jenkins said he expects Alabama State quarterback Daniel Duhart to be ready for Saturday’s game. Duhart left last week’s loss at Tennessee State with a shin injury and was on crutches after the game. “I think Daniel will line up for us. We’ll see,” Jenkins said Wednesday. “Our medical team is working with him. It’s nothing serious. We’ll know closer to game time in what direction he’s going to go. As far as I’m concerned, Daniel will be ready to go and in competition to see if he’s going to be the guy to take the snaps.” Davis said he’s confident in Duhart, too. “I think he’ll bounce back,” Davis said. “He can do it. I know that.”

4. Home opener: Saturday’s game will be Alabama State’s home opener and Jenkins’ home debut. “I can’t wait to see the crowd and everything,” Davis said. “The band, the fans and everything, just to see that good Hornet atmosphere.” Jenkins said he’s most concerned with getting a win. “It doesn’t matter if we’re home or away, my thoughts are the same: Prepare to win and go out and execute to win,” Jenkins said. “That’s it.”

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Khalid Thomas

RB, 5-10, 175, Jr.

Thomas had 42 of Alabama State’s 60 rushing yards in last week’s loss at Tennessee State. The Hornets need more to help complement their passing attack.

BY THE NUMBERS

6,505: Career passing yards for Alcorn quarterback John Gibbs Jr., the preseason SWAC offensive player of the year.

50: Career touchdown passes for Gibbs with 21 in each of the last two years.

1,875, 16: Career rushing yards and touchdowns, respectively, for Gibbs.

323: Total yards for Gibbs in Alcorn’s 33-7 win over Alabama State last year. He was 20-for-33 passing for 217 yards and ran 13 times for 106 yards and a touchdown.

35: Career starts for Gibbs after Saturday’s game with Alabama State.

553: Yards allowed, including 476 rushing, by Alcorn in last weekend’s 69-6 loss at Georgia Tech.

391: Rushing yards allowed by Alabama State last year against Alcorn State.